Malaysia has been a significant regional partner and close friend of the Maldives over the past 55 years, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president made this remark during a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday, which saw the new High Commissioner of Malaysia to the Republic of Maldives Badli Hisham Bin Adam presenting his Letter of Credence to the Maldivian leader.

During Monday’s meeting, President Solih congratulated the new Malaysian ambassador on his new appointment and conveyed greetings and best wishes to the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim as well as the people and government.

Highlighting that the dynamism of the people-to-people exchanges between Maldives and Malaysia mirror the warmth of the close diplomatic ties, the president expressed appreciation for the Malaysian government's contribution to the administration’s human resources development initiatives through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.

Discussions were also held on boosting economic ties between Maldives and Malaysia.

The Maldivian leader and Malaysian HC also shed light on the upcoming Double Tax Avoidance Agreement.

President Solih went on to refer to the Mutual Recognition Agreement that has been concluded between the two governments, on the recognition of domestic driving licenses.

The Maldivian leader noted that the agreement would ease mobility for Maldivians residing in Malaysia and vice versa.

Further, the president expressed eagerness to welcome more tourists from Malaysia in the near future and stated that the Maldives is collaborating with Malaysian counterparts to increase the flight frequency between Maldives and Malaysia.

Before concluding the meeting, President Solih and the Malaysia HC assured their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties in areas of mutual interest.

Diplomatic ties were established between Maldives and Malaysia in 1968.